Long-term efficacy of transcatheter patent foramen ovale closure on migraine headache with aura and recurrent stroke

Objectives: To assess the long-term results of transcatheter patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure on migraine headache with aura (MHA) and on the risk of recurrent stroke. Background: Transcatheter PFO closure is associated with an early improvement of MHA, and a reduction or the risk of recurrent cerebral ischemia, but the long-term outcome after the procedure is unknown. Methods: We analyzed follow-up data of 38 consecutive patients who had undergone transcatheter PFO closure at our institution because of cryptogenic stroke and had been followed-up for at least 3 years after the procedure. Mean age at closure was 43 ± 13 years. Thirteen patients (34%) had a diagnosis of MHA made by the primary care physician or the referring neurologist. Migraine disability assessment questionnaire (MIDAS) was used to assess MHA incidence and severity. Results: After a mean follow-up of 4.8 ± 1.4 years, two patients had a recurrent stroke (13 and 15 months after the procedure, respectively). Recurrence rate 5 years after the procedure was 5.3%. After 4.9 ± 1.4 years from the intervention, 12/13 patients (92%, 95% CI 65–99%) had complete resolution in their MHA. Overall, MIDAS score decreased significantly (38.6 ± 26.3 vs. 4.4 ± 5.1, P < 0.0001) after the procedure. One patient did not report any improvement of MHA after transcatheter PFO closure, whereas one patient reported a severe relapse of MHA about 1 year after PFO closure. Freedom from recurrent MHA 5 years after the procedure was 85% (95% CI 57–97%). Conclusions: The rate of recurrent cerebral ischemia and recurrent MHA seems to be low at long-term follow-up after transcatheter PFO closure. Recurrent cerebral ischemia and relapse of MHA seem to be confined to the first 15 months after the procedure.© 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.